Until I started my journey to eat healthy, I had not heard of moringa. It is known as one of the Super Plant Based foods. After I learned more about it, I decided to add it to my diet. I now use moringa powder in green smoothies a few times a week.

Moringa is a tropical tree that grows in South Asia and Africa. The tree can survive droughts. It has been a staple in the diet of both regions for centuries. It has also been used to treat everything from tumors to toothaches. All parts of the moringa tree are edible, the seeds, flowers, and leaves.

The leaves of the moringa tree resemble drumsticks, thus the nickname of the tree, “Drumstick Tree”. The leaves taste peppery and are often eaten as a vegetable. Dried and ground into powder they are used in soups and curries. Nine essential amino acids and vitamins A,B, and C, are found in the leaves of the moringa tree. They are also full of protein and are substituted for meat, eggs, and fish.

Additionally, the leaves have been used medically to treat malaria, arthritis, skin diseases, and diabetes.

The white flowers of the moringa tree taste like mushrooms. They contain an abundance of amino acids, calcium, and potassium. They are cooked, and steeped to make tea. The flowers have been used to treat tumors, muscle diseases, and to boost the sex drive.

The Moringa tree seeds are full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vit C, K, and calcium. They may be eaten raw, boiled, or crushed. Cooking oil is made from the seeds by pressing them.

Bark extract from the tree has been used to treat stomach issues, anemia, and diabetes. Studies have shown it has an antibacterial quality.

Moringa is a distant cousin of broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The roots of the tree can be ground into a paste that tastes like horseradish. The paste has been used in the treatment of snakebites, toothaches, and malaria. Caution, if you have pets the root and root extracts can be toxic to some animals.

Moringa is packed full of phytochemicals and antioxidants. It is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Why aren’t we using this power tree? Most of the studies done on moringa and treatment of diseases have been performed on rats. More research is needed to know how well it will work in humans. However the indigenous people of the regions where it is plentiful, continue to use it as food and for medicinal purposes.

Eating large amounts of moringa might be dangerous. Pregnant mothers who ingest it get plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, the bark can cause uterine contractions.

Moringa leaves and seeds are available in some health food stores. It is also available in powder, liquid, pill, tea, and oil forms. I order the powder from Puritans Pride.

As I stated earlier I use the powder in smoothies, but it may be put in oatmeal or guacamole. The leaves can be used with basil to make pesto. You might want to add some leaves to your salad for a peppery punch.

Every part of this magnificent tree can be used and seems to have significant health benefits. Now you know the power of the Mighty Moringa.